'It's Complicated' Is, Well, Complicated
By Analorena Zeledon, GalTime.com
"It's Complicated" -- the phrase seems pretty self explanatory but, these days, it's also a "relationship status" on Facebook. And anyone on Facebook knows...when you change your status, all your friends know it instantly. There's no faster way to let people know the personal side of your life-- for better or worse.
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My bosses here at GalTime tell me stories of instant support when someone goes from "in a relationship", or even worse from "married", to "single" on the social network. It's a painful decision because there is no hiding on the Web. On the other hand, going from "in a relationship" to "engaged" will get you oodles of congrats in a matter of minutes. But, this whole "It's Complicated" thing... what does it actually mean? I can tell you that in college it's an acceptable status considering that "hook ups" are common and relationships are a rarity. However, once you leave the bubble of the beer-infested parties and step into the real world, what does the status say? Think about it. What IS complicated about your relationship and what are you trying to tell your friends? There are all sorts of concrete options: single, in a relationship, engaged, married, separated, divorced...so what does the nebulous in-between status say?
We wanted the low-down, so we turned to GalTime social media expert, Emily Liebert, for some clarification.
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE "IT'S COMPLICATED," LISTED AS SOMEONE'S STATUS?
I think it is not a strong relationship. It makes it seem as if there's a problem. I am someone who is traditional, either you're married, separated, divorced, engaged, or simply boyfriend and girlfriend. If you're casually dating, then I don't see the need to announce it on Facebook.
Related: Why Is He Still Listed As 'Single' On Facebook?
WHAT'S YOUR DEFINITION?
I believe that 'It's Complicated" is for someone who is in a relationship that doesn't have a label. My guess is that it's not the most stable or secure relationship.
HAVE YOU SEEN MORE WOMEN OR MEN USE IT? DOES IT MEAN DIFFERENT THINGS TO DIFFERENT GENDERS?
To be honest, I have never seen a male put it as his status. It seems too dramatic and begs the question, "Gee, what's going on there? What's the problem? Are they going through a rough patch? What exactly makes this relationship complicated?
Related: Is Monogamy Really THAT Confusing?
WHO, IN GENERAL, USES IT?
I think it skews towards a younger age group-in college and high school you do have "complicated relationships." At least at that age, everything seems complicated. Little do you know that when you grow up, life and relationships become more difficult to manage.
Bottom line, the status itself is a bit complicated-- but, that's the point, I guess. Have you used it, would you? What do you think of the status, in general? Do you ask friends who have the status if everything is OK or do you feel like it's inappropriate to comment on status changes? Leave us a comment..we want to hear from you!
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